If you want to obtain your driver’s license in Ontario, one of the initial prerequisites is the G1 knowledge test. This test is one of the components of the Graduated Licensing System operating in Ontario and offers to test your understanding of traffic signs and signals.
Organization of the Ontario G1 Knowledge Test
The G1 knowledge test consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, divided into two distinct sections:
- Rules of the Road: This section is concerned with the legal requirements that are attached to driving in Ontario. Some of them include; the speed limit, right of way, and driving situations such as in fog, at night, or in a foreign country.
- Traffic Signs: This part will have questions on the various types of Road Signs; the Regulatory Signs, the Warning or precautionary Signs, and the Information Signs.
There are 20 questions in each of the sections and therefore 40 questions in total. To pass, you have to get 16 questions right in each part, which is 32 right answers out of 40 in total.
The Passing Score and Retaking the Test
The passing score of the test is 80 percent. If you do not get this, you are given a second chance to take the test, although you will be charged a little amount each time you repeat the test. The knowledge test may be written at any of the DriveTest centers throughout the province of Ontario. Besides the knowledge test, you are also required to take a vision test when applying for the G1 license.
Time Limit and Format
It usually ranges from 20 to 30 questions and the test is not time-limited so the candidate can take as much time as he or she needs to read the questions. The test is in computer adaptive or paper-pencil format based on the test center. For each question, you will be given four options from which only one is correct.
Preparation to Take the G1 Knowledge Test
The test is based on the Ontario Driver’s Handbook, so it contains all the information one is to know, starting with road signs and ending with driving laws. To increase your chances of passing, it is advisable that you go through this handbook and take online practice tests. Such practice tests are in the same form as the actual exam and assist candidates with the type of questions expected of them. Among these resources, some on the internet could come in handy in preparing adequately.
The Test Difficulty and Failure Rates
The G1 knowledge test is not very complex; however, the pass rate is relatively low. According to the statistics, about 50-75% of first-time candidates fail the test. This often results from poor preparation or confusion on the form of questions asked either by the interviewer or the interviewee. It has to be noted that it is necessary to study not only to know the rules and facts but to be able to use them in practice.
Importance of Practice Tests
Among the suggestions, one of the best things that you should advise the learners to do is to take practice tests online. These tests are intended to be as close to the real test both in terms of content and format. It will also help you to know where you stand on the questions and build confidence when answering them. Practice tests also have the added advantage of sparing a candidate a number of attempts, hence making him/her save on the fees charged for the attempt.
What to Do After Passing the G1 Knowledge Test?
After the knowledge test and vision test, you shall be issued with the G1 license. This license allows you to drive under some specific circumstances, for instance, the car must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver at all times. Graduated Licensing System is a license program in Ontario province, which is a progressive approach to developing the experience of the new drivers and G1 is one of them.
This makes it even more restrictive than G1 test in which a driver must wait for 8 to 12 months so that he or she can attempt the G1 road test, after which you can go for the G2 license that offers all kinds of freedom. Afterwards, you can get a full G license depending on the result of the second road test.
Final Thoughts
The G1 knowledge test is the first part of the driving test process in Ontario and will help you get your driver’s license. However, if you devote enough time to work through the practice tests and make sure you know well all the information presented in the Ontario Driver’s Handbook, your chances are significantly going to be higher. Just a reminder, you must answer at least 32 questions correctly out of 40 questions, so don’t rush yourself and make sure to study before taking this test.